Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is a Deluxe Resort offering a unique, lively atmosphere inspired by the turn-of-the-century Atlantic City boardwalk. Known for its prime location along Crescent Lake, the resort provides convenient access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, while also offering numerous dining, shopping, and entertainment options along the bustling BoardWalk itself. While it doesn’t boast a feature pool like Stormalong Bay at the nearby Beach and Yacht Clubs, BoardWalk Inn is often considered one of the more affordable options within Disney’s Deluxe Resort category, offering charm and amenities at a lower price point.
Benefits of Staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
1. Proximity to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios
One of the biggest draws to the BoardWalk Inn is its close proximity to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. From the BoardWalk, you can either walk to both parks or take advantage of the Friendship Boats. This makes it a fantastic choice for park-goers who want to maximise their time in these two major parks.
- Walking Distance to EPCOT: Like Beach Club and Yacht Club, BoardWalk Inn is located just a short walk from EPCOT’s International Gateway, making it an ideal choice for guests who plan to spend a significant amount of time at this park, particularly during events like the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival or Festival of the Arts.
- Boat Ride to Hollywood Studios: A leisurely boat ride transports you to Hollywood Studios, providing a relaxing and scenic mode of transportation. You can also walk to Hollywood Studios along a path that takes around 15-20 minutes.
Key Tip: The International Gateway entrance is significantly less crowded than EPCOT’s main entrance, giving you a smoother and faster entry into the park, especially in the mornings.
2. A Vibrant Atmosphere and Entertainment
Staying at the BoardWalk Inn puts you right in the centre of the action. The BoardWalk itself offers a lively selection of shops, dining, and entertainment options, often with street performers adding to the vibrant atmosphere. This makes it a fun and exciting place to stay for both adults and families.
- BoardWalk Dining: There are numerous dining options on the BoardWalk, including Trattoria al Forno, a charming Italian restaurant that also hosts a character breakfast featuring Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. For a signature dining experience, Flying Fish offers one of the best seafood menus on property.
- Nightlife: The BoardWalk is one of the few areas at Disney World that offers nightlife, with locations like Jellyrolls, a dueling piano bar, and Atlantic Dance Hall, which offers dancing and music late into the night.
Key Tip: Even if you don’t plan on visiting EPCOT or Hollywood Studios every day, the BoardWalk area is a great place to spend your evenings, with live entertainment, shops, and unique dining experiences that make your stay even more memorable.
3. Classic, Elegant Them
The BoardWalk Inn features classic decor with a vintage, seaside theme reminiscent of the Atlantic City boardwalks of the 1920s. The lobby and guest rooms are filled with charming, whimsical touches that reflect the hotel’s playful, yet elegant, atmosphere.
- Room Decor: Rooms at the BoardWalk Inn are furnished with light, airy colours and vintage-style decor, adding to the overall theme of the resort. Many rooms offer stunning views of the BoardWalk, Crescent Lake, or the courtyard garden.
Key Tip: If you want to be part of the action, request a room with a view of the BoardWalk, but be aware that these rooms may come with extra noise from the lively nightlife. For a quieter stay, consider booking a garden view room.
4. Convenient Access to the Skyliner
While the Skyliner doesn’t depart directly from BoardWalk Inn, you can easily access it from EPCOT’s International Gateway or from the nearby Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. The Skyliner provides a quick and scenic way to travel to Hollywood Studios and other Disney resorts, adding to the overall convenience of staying in the Crescent Lake area.
Key Tip: If you’re planning to spend time at other resorts on the Skyliner route or need a quick way to reach Hollywood Studios, the Skyliner is a fantastic transportation option that adds a unique experience to your stay.
5. Pool Areas
Although the BoardWalk Inn doesn’t have a feature pool as iconic as Stormalong Bay at the Beach and Yacht Clubs, its Luna Park Pool is still a popular spot for families. The pool is themed after a vintage carnival, with a Keister Coaster water slide that resembles a classic wooden roller coaster.
- Luna Park Pool: This main pool is lively and fun, with a whimsical carnival theme and plenty of space for families to relax and swim.
- Quiet Pools: For guests seeking a more relaxed environment, there are several quiet pools located around the resort that offer a peaceful escape from the more crowded main pool area.
Key Tip: While Luna Park Pool is a great option for families, if you’re looking for the most elaborate pool experience at Disney World, consider staying at Beach Club or Yacht Club to gain access to Stormalong Bay.
6. Affordability for a Deluxe Resort
One of the major perks of staying at BoardWalk Inn is that it is typically one of the more affordable Deluxe Resorts at Disney World. While still pricey compared to Moderate or Value Resorts, BoardWalk Inn often comes in at a lower nightly rate than other Deluxe options like Grand Floridian or Polynesian Village Resort.
Key Tip: If you’re looking to experience the perks of staying at a Deluxe Resort (such as larger rooms, prime location, and better amenities) without paying the higher prices of some of the other resorts, BoardWalk Inn offers a great balance of luxury and value.
Downsides of Staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
1. Noise from the BoardWalk
As mentioned earlier, the BoardWalk Inn is located directly along the lively BoardWalk, which means that rooms with a BoardWalk view may experience extra noise from the nightlife and street performers below. This is particularly noticeable in the evenings when the entertainment and restaurants are in full swing.
Key Tip: If you’re a light sleeper or travelling with small children, it’s a good idea to request a garden view or courtyard view room to avoid the noise from the BoardWalk.
2. Limited Dining Options at the Resort Itself
While the BoardWalk area offers plenty of dining options, the actual resort itself has a more limited selection. Guests looking for a quick meal or a snack will have to head to the BoardWalk Bakery or take advantage of the dining options along the BoardWalk, which can sometimes be crowded, especially during peak times.
Key Tip: If dining options are a priority for you, consider staying at nearby resorts like Yacht Club or Beach Club, which offer more dining choices right at the hotel.
3. Smaller Pool Complex
While the Luna Park Pool is fun and well-themed, it doesn’t compare to the expansive Stormalong Bay pool shared by the Yacht and Beach Clubs. The pool area is more straightforward, with fewer features to keep guests entertained for long periods.
Key Tip: If a pool with a lazy river or water playground is a priority for you, Beach Club or Yacht Club would be a better option, though they come at a higher price.
Final Thoughts: Is Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Worth It?
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn offers a unique blend of charm, convenience, and fun. With its close proximity to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, lively atmosphere along the BoardWalk, and more affordable pricing within the Deluxe Resort category, it’s a fantastic option for families, couples, or solo travellers looking for the perfect Disney World experience.
Though it may lack some of the features of other Deluxe Resorts, such as a larger pool complex or quieter atmosphere, the benefits of staying at BoardWalk Inn—particularly the location and the entertainment options—make it an excellent choice for those who want to be right in the middle of the Disney magic.
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